Method of saturating fibrous material



June' 24, 1930.

A. E. SCHUTTE METHOD OF SATURATING FIBROUS MATERIAL .Filed Sept. 18,1925 6 Sheets-Shea?I Jupe 24, 1930. A. E. scHuTTE `METHOD OF SATURATINGFIBROUS MA'IIERIAL e sheets-smet Filed sept.y 18, m25

mm. P

.Jime 24', 1930.

e sheets-sheet 5 Filed Sept. 18,

Q%\\ ...mw 5% Nw Smm Nm n H\ NQ Il Hw NQ, Hm. ,I/ wm 1 l J Il l F l-- MQ MH H11 n Qwfa. un.. I- ...1lll e v 11 HJ l. m ud.. 1111 JMMI- i.rv. wus u S 1NR s. NT S.

Rw@ SS Q e W i I :1 1-1..

\.Nw Ii n H Il |l {8%m l m I! L M |\%N n v l1 wl: N I WINm.. 1% ia l l fJune 24, 1930. A. E. -scHUTTE METHOD OF' SATURATING FIBROUS MATERIAL1925 s sneetssheet Filed Sept. 18

@we 357072 @Mmm w June 24, 1930.r A. E. scHuTTE l METHOD OF SATURATINGFIBROUS MATERIAL Filed Sept. 18. 1925 6 Sheets-Sheet -.,HHHNHHHHMT June24, 1930. A E, SCHUTTE 1,765,778

METHOD OF SATURATING FIBROUS MATERIAL v Filed Sep.. 18 1925 GSheets-Sheet 5 Iva/M i' www @www uNIrEn lSTATE' Patented June 24, 1930AUGUST E. SCHUTTE, 03E"k NORTHBORO, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNEASSIGN- MENTS, TO THE PATENT AND LICENSINGiCORPOR-ATION, OF BOSTON,MASSACHU- SETTS, Av CORI?OIR'ATIONv OF MASSACHUSETTS l METHOD orsATURArrNc FIBRous MATERIAL Application led September Thisinventionrelates to a methodof and machlnery for saturatmg or impregnatmg fibrousmaterial with waterproofing agents,

asphalt for" a period of ltime suficient to a1- low the asphalt to passinto the pores and interstices between the fibres of the felt and to'beabsorbed thereby, after which the felt emerges from the, bath and isdrawn therefrom between the usual drawing or propellingrolls which alsoserve to remove or squeeze asphalt from the saturated sheet.

After the'saturation ofthe felt, itis frequently coated lon either. orboth surfaces with coating or relatively high melting point asphalt (i.e., blown or oxidized asphalt of amelting point suflicientlyhigh so" asnot to be rendered semi-fluid or to flow when exposed to extreme solaror atmosphericheat in the summer), in which may then be partiallyembedded, if desired onv -its exposed or outer face, while the asphalt Fis still soft or semi-plastic, a surface layer and 'machinery employedfor saturating v roofing felt does notvyield a saturated product havingoptimum waterproofingl and .weatherproong characteristics.' One very-Iimportant cause underlying the imperfect saturationy which is effectedby the usual method may be 'traced to the close proximity -to thesaturating tank of the propelling rolls,

1s, 1925. serial. rre. 57,094. g

which not only remove superficial or vsurplus asphalt from the-surfacesof the .saturated vfelt but through their compressing or squeezingaction on the saturated felt as it passes therebetween, squeeze orremove asphalt from the interstitial spaces within the felt, so thatafter passagetherebetween and the resumption or recovery of itsinitialand normal bulk or thickness, aV considerable portion of the asphaltpreviously contained therein has been extracted.

It is,J of. course, obvious that the more asphalt the saturated feltcontains, the more waterproof, durable and satisfactory it will l' befor roofing or similar purpose, and that vthe saturated felt produced asordinarily possesses such characteristics 'in proportion to the amountof asphalt contained therein, as well as the completeness orthoroughness and the uniformity of its saturation.' For urated felt andthe efficacy of saturation, it has been proposed to employ pressure orvacuum apparatus for such saturation, but such apparatus iscomparatively intricate,

increasing the amount of asphalt in the sat` troublesome, and expensive,and, so 'far as I A am aware, commercially unsatisfactory.

It is, moreover, highly desirable to employ coating or high meltingpoint asphalt, Apreferably blown asphalt because of its desirablecharacteristics, for the saturation of the felt, as well as`for thecoating thereof, vsince in such instance, if successfully carried out,thesaturating and coating operations may be simultaneouslyeffected. AAvery advantageous feature in a 'roofing product thus manufactured is itshomogeneity or uniformity of character lin -respect to its asphaltcontent,vsince the same vasphalt 'extends throughout the entirecrossesection of thesleetand coats the surface or surfaces thereof,instead of comprising, as usual, an asphalt coatino` of a differentcharacter and melting point t an the saturating asphalt therewith.`But,if

such asphalt molten and sufhciently low in viscosity as to cause therapid permeation of the sheet, as well as the lengthof contact necessarybetween the asphalt and the felt in order to effect a satisfactorysaturation, the

and its strength and durability and its waterproofing and ,roofingqualities are thus impaired.`

Hence, the object of the present invention, broadly stated, is toprovide an efficient method of and machine for the saturation of feltwith either the saturating or low melting point asphalt or, preferably,with the coating 5 or high melting point asphalt, but without impairingthe desired qualities of the felt and so that the felt will becompletely saturated, will contain a maximum amount ofasphalt, and thuspossess optimum waterand Weather-resisting qualities.

In accordance with the present invention, provision is made tomaterially decrease the time of Contact between the felt and moltenasphalt, and to increase the efficacy and the 5 rate of saturation overthe usual prior practice. Briefly stated, in the practice of the presentinvention, the saturation of the felt is accomplished byk passing thefelt through a bath of molten asphalt, and between squeeze rolls whichare submerged in the molten asphalt so that upon the resumption orrecovery by the felt of its usual or normal thickness after thesqueezing action, the felt immediately contacts with the molten asphaltof 5 the bath and isA penetrated or permeated thereby, resulting in athoroughly saturated sheet. Another prominent or salient feature of thepresent invention resides in passing a plurality of sheets of feltbetween squeeze rolls which are subi'nerged in molten asphalt. Inaccordance with such practice, the sheets are conducted separatelythrough the bath and then joined or brought together between thesubn'ierged squeeze rolls. In so doing, molten asphalt is entrappedbetween the confronting surfaces of the sheets and upon passage betweenthe nip of the submerged squeeze rolls. the severe compression exertedon the relatively large amount of compres- 0 sible material of thesheets passed therebetween, drives or forces the asphalt from the outersurfaces thereinto, and the asphalt entram'ied between the surfacesoutwardly through the sheets. tration or passage of the asphalt clearthrough the sheets is effected by the squeeze rolls. After passagetherebetween, the felt tends to recover or resume its original bulk orthickness, and in so doing any voids or interstices produced therein areimmediately filled by the contacting molten asphalt so that a completelysaturated sheet emerges from the h atli. If desired, the sheets may becaused to undergo several squeezings or compressions while submerged 1nasphalt, to afford a felt becomes `markedly scorchedA and brittle, f

Thus a complete pcne-,

very complete penetration by the molten asphalt, but ordinarily only'one or two' such compressions are sufficient to obtain the desiredresults. l

The entire saturating action hereinbefore l outlined is effected in aperiod of time sufficiently shortfso that the felts are substantiallyunscorched and unimpaired in quality, even where a high 'melting pointor coating asphalt is used under abnormally hightemf The preliminary andsubsequent i as in previous practice, this invention pro#- vides for arapid and complete penetration of the felts by forcing or driving theasphalt directly thercinto under compression, and then allowing thefibers and the interstices and voids formed therein after suchcompression to contact with and take up more molten asphalt, so 'thatthe finished, saturated sheets are completely saturated and coated andcontain a maximum amount of asphalt as they ein ergefrom the bath.

Moreover, in accordance with the present invention, as the sheets emergefrom the bath of molten asphalt with a film of asphalt covering oroverlying their surfaces, provision is made for retaining the asphaltcontained therewithin. Accordingly, after emergence from the bath, thesheets are initially cooled sufliciently to cause any moisture or gascontained therewithin to be cooled or condensed, but without congelationor hardening of the molten asphalt, thereby causing a partial vac,n uumtherewithin, and force a contraction of the contained asphalt and afurther absorption into the sheet of the asphalt of the surface layers.

After such initial cooling, onl the excess saturant on the surfacesofthe s eet may be removed, if desired, by passage by a pair of scraperspositioned to engage the surfaces of the sheets so as to remove surplusun-l congealed asphalt, without, however, compressing or squeezing thefelt to cause the extraction or removal of asphalt from the 1 by thesame operation and therooing mater1-al is characterized by itshomogeneity or continuity in respect'to its asphalt content.

Where the excess or surface saturant is removed from the surfaces of thesheets by Scrapers, the sheets are then subjected to another coolingaction, to cause the asphalt therewithi'n to be congealed or hardenedsufi ficiently to permit passage between propelling rolls which serveyto vdraw them from the saturating tank without squeezing asphalttherefrom, without, however,` causing a sufficient congelation .toprevent the 'separation of the sheets.

With theseandother features and objects in view, the Ainvention consistsin certain novel features of procedure, as well as in the construction,combination, and arrangement of parts of a preferred embodiment ofsaturating lmachine, more fully described hereinafter in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which Figure l illustratesconventionally and diagrammatically in front elevation a machine forcarrying out the saturating process.

' Figure 2 vshows in front elevation a saturat.- l

ing machine embodying the present invention, with the side of the tankbroken away to lshow the mechanism therein, but with the cooling meansomitted for conveniently illustrating the machineA in enlarged detail.Figure 3 representaba plan view of the machine of Figure 2.

Figure 4 represents a( vertical, partly brhken section through themachine on the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 shows a fragmentary detailed end elevation of a portion of anadjusting mechanism used in connection with the Scrapers:

JFigure 6 illustrates a section on the line 6 6 of Figure 4 and shows indetail a sec-y f tion through the Scrapers and the supporting meanstherefor.

Figure 7 4.represents in front elevation a modified construction lofsaturating machine in which" only a single pair of submerged squeezerolls is employed, with the side of theI tank broken away to show themechanism therein. l Y i Figure 8 represents a lsection through the scrapers employed with the saturating machine shown in Figure 7, similarto Figure 6. Figure 9 represents a section on the line 9- -9 of Figure7, and shows in detail certain construction yhereinafter described.

Figure 10 represents a section on -the line 10,-10 of Figure 7,\ andshows the various instrumentalities which are disposed' within the tank.l

Referring to the diagrammatic representa-f tion of the saturatingmachine and the process carried out therewith illustrated in Fig# ure 1of the drawings, a roll of roofing felt or paper 3 is represented asbeingmounted for unwinding adjacent to each end of a saturating tank 10.Each roll 3-is carried by a core 4 extending axially therethrough,

which supported at either end by a forked upper bearing portion 6,afforded by a triangular frame support. Each roll of felt is preferablysteadied or tensioned while be` ing unwound, and in the present instanceis accomplished by imposing a f rictional resistance on its core.indicated as a whole at B, are provided to act on both ends of eachcore. prises anarm, or lever 7, which is pivotally mounted at one end ona pivot pin 8 furnished by a bracket 9 which is secured to an end of thesaturating tank 10. Thearm/includes an intermediate shoe portion bearingagainst the core, and is provided with a plu-- rality'of notches 13 nearits other end, with any selected one of whichv may engage a hook 14 onwhich is suspended weights W. The amount `of braking orftensioning ofthe paper may be adjusted or regulated by movingthe hooks from one toanother of said notches. Any other suitable arrangement for supportingand tensioning the paper in its unwinding may be employed, if desired.

Thefelt sheets from each roll are contin-iv uously unwound, each beingguided "over a guide roll 15 mounted above the tank, thence downwardlyinto the molten asphalt con- .tained in the tank, under a guide roll 16,

from which both sheets are brought together into facial contact betweena pair of coact-ing squeeze rollsV 17, 17, arranged side by side andsubmerged in the molten asphalt. Thus, in passing into the moltenasphalt, each For this purpose, brakes,

Each brake comsheet of felt is coated onboth surfaces withl a film ofsaturant and in being united and/ passed between the nip of the rolls 17and 17a,

the molten asphalt entrapped between the confronting or 'united surfacesof the sheets vis forced outwardly through the sheets, and

' the asphalt on the outer surfaces of the sheets the sheets areseparated from one another as they emerge from the squeeze rolls by apipe l19 extending transversely therebetween and engaging the abuttingsurfaces, thus forming a chamber between the sheets, to which moltenasphalt is supplied on the surfaces of the sheets through slots oropenings inthe ipe 19, to which molten asphalt is su plied Funerpressure, if desired) from te pipe 20 countered. The sheets are thendrawn from.

the rolls 18, 18a into the presence of the molten asphalt of the bath,so that any voids caused in the sheet after compression are refilled bycontact with and immersion in the asphalt.

As the sheets emerge from the bath, they are completely saturated andtheir outer surfaces are covered with films of molten asphalt.. In orderto confine and maintain a maximum amount of saturant within the sheets,provision is made to cool'them sufficiently to. cause any-moisture orgases con-` tained therein to be condensed or cooled, thus forming apartial vacuum therewithin, and causing the contraction of the asphalton the surfaces of the sheets and thus to be forced thereinto. Whilecooling of the sheets may be eected by permitting them/to contact withthe air of the surrounding atmosphere for a sufficient period of time,in accordance with the present invention the cooling is preferablyaccomplished by causing a suitable cooling medium to play on the outersurfaces of the sheets. For'` this purpose, I have shown a pair ofnozzles 21, 21a communicating, respectively, through the conduits 22 and22a with a centrifugal blower (not shown). The

open ends of the nozzles are arranged in close proximity to the surfacesof the sheets, and air may be'delivered or sucked therethrough, causingair currents to-play on and coolvthe sheets, the last procedure beingpreferable, since in this case any hot air or vapors emanating from thesheets are withdrawnfrom the room, thus aiding in ventilation.

After the initial cooling only .the excess or superficial asphalt on thesurfaces of the sheets may be removed by passage by a'pair of Scrapers23, 23a, positioned to engage the exposed surfaces of the joined sheets.The Scrapers merely `remove, superficial asphalt without, however,squeezing any from the interior of the sheet. After scraping, the sheetsare conducted by a second pair of cooling nozzles 24, 24a communicating,respectively, through the conduits 25 and 25a with the fan blower `(notshown) and arrangedsto cause air currents to again `play on the sheets.`

The second cooling effects a sufficient congelation or hardening of theasphalt to permit passage between propelling rolls without the squeezingof asphalt therefrom, but Without, however, preventing a separation ordisunion of the previously and temporarily combined sheets. sheets aredisunited, each passing between a pair of adjacentlyv arranged andsuperposed shaft and meshing After suc'h cooling, the` propelling rolls27, 27a, and may thereupon be further treated, if desired, as by coatingand surfacing operations for the manufacture ofl vention and theinstrumentalities employed therefor.. I

I will now refer to Figures 2 to 6, inclusive, whichillustrate a form ofpractical saturating machine embodying the principles hereinbefore setforth in connection with Figure l, and which may be employed forcarrying out the present saturating process. As vpreviously, each feltsheet 29 is unwound from its lcorresponding roll (not shown) near an endof the saturating tank 33, and is guided downwardly into the moltenasphalt over a guide roll 30 supported at either end in a bea-ring 31afforded by a bracket 32 depending from an end of the tank. Each feltthen passes horizontally toward one another under a ingllaterally fromthe side of a box 40, which serves as a supporting structure and housingfor the pressure or squeeze rolls. Both felts are then united and arepassed between a pair of squeeze rolls 42, 42a, which serve to force ordrive the asphalt therethrough. The roll 42 is journaled at each end ina bearing 44 furnished by a ribbed bracket 45 on a side of the box 40.To regulate the aperture or amount of clearance between the squeezerolls so that-the degree of squeezingwor constriction of the felt may becontrolled as desired, the roll 42a is horizontally adjustable inreference to the roll 42. To this end, the roll 42a is journaled at eachend in a horizontally adjustable bearing 46, which is provided at itsupper and lower portions with protrusionsy or tongues 47, 47, whichengage and are movable in guides or ways 48, 48 furnished by the ribbedbrackets 49, 49, on the side of the box 40. Each bearing 46 is providedwith a laterally extending and internally threaded lug or nut member 51,in -vvhich is screwed one end of a threaded shaft or screw member 52journaled at its lother end in a fork 53a of a bifurcated bracket 53.Rotation of each shaft 52 and consequent horizontal movement of eachbearing 46 and the roll 42a is effected through a bevel gear 54 fixed atone end of the with a bevel gear 55 fixed at the lower end of affordedby the bracket 53. The up- Guide roll 35 supported at either end in a avertical shaft 56 which*y is journaled at its lower portion in the otherof the shaft 56 is journaled in a beara fork of the upstanding bearing37, provided by a bracket 38 extendy the bracket 57. Rotation of theshaft may be effected b any suitable means, as by a handwheel`64 xed atan outer end thereto. From the` construction described, it is obviousthat such rotation effects an adjustment of the roll 42 toward or awayfrom the roll 42.

After passage through the squeeze rolls 42jy l which is deliveredthrough a plurality of slots lao or openings 65a arranged diagonallyside by side in the pipe 65, the molten asphalt being applied to andentrapped between Athe inner surfaces of the sheets Thel molten asphaltis preferably supplied to the pipe 65 under pressure suicient to passinto or penetrate the pores and interstices in the sheet, although thisfeature is merely an advantageous incidental and is not at allnecessary. Since the pipe is maintained stationary in reference to 4thefelts, because of the inclined or diagonal form of the slots, the entirewidth of the felts will pass under the flow of asphalt. After theapplication of molten asphalt, ,theysheets are again made vto convergeand unite by passage between a second pair of squeeze rolls 67,

67% arranged immediately above but without contacting `with theperipheries of the first v pair, so that any excess molten asphalt notltaken up by the sheets is permitted to escape through the aperture orclearance left lbetween the pairs or rolls, as well as between theclearance left between the ends of the rolls and the sides of the box!These clearances I are preferably made sufciently small 4so that asubstantially confined chamber or space is enclosed by thesuperposedpress rolls and the side of the box to allow the pressureafforded by the'asphalt supplied under pressure from the pipe to bemaintained and to thereby allow a more perfectipenetration andsaturation of the` feltto be effected. The roll 67 -is supported byconstruction similar to that employed in connection with roll 42, andthe roll 67, 1s adjustably supported in reference thereto by mechanismsimilar to that associ,

arated and each felt passed through separate,

t. propelling rolls. Provision is made to drive i es the upperand lowerpairs of press rolls simultaneously andindependently by common drivingmeans. To this end, fixed to thev endl of the rolls 42, 42a areintermeshing gears 107, 107, driven by a gear 108 on one end of a shaft109, suitably journaled in brackets 110, 110f, on the sides of the box40. To the other end of the shaft 109 is fixed a sprocket 111, driventhrough a chain 112 by a sprocket 113 fixed to one end of a drivingshaft y114. The shaft 114 is journaled in brackets fixed to uprights7 6,76 on either side of the tank 40, and .is provided at its other end witha sprocket 115, which is driven through a chain 116 from a motor ercountershaft (not shown). j The same end of the shaft 109 is alsoprovided with agear 118 intermeshing with a gear 119 at one end of oneof the upper squeeze rolls 42, which, in turn, meshes with a gear on theother squeeze roll 67 a. To permit the lateral adjustment of the pressrolls, the shaft 109 must be horizontally adjust- (able, and to this'end the brackets 110, 110, in which it is journaled, are provideclwithslots 117, 117, through which the fastening bolts 140, secured to thesides of the box V 40, extend. Thus, by loosening the bolts, the

brackets may be moved horizontally to peranism associated therewith, outof or intoxthe tanln To this end, thesides of the box 40 are fixed tothe ends of arms'71, 71a, respec-` tively, `having internally threadedor nut members 72 and 72a at their other ends, in which are respectivelyscrewed vertical screw members or threaded shafts 73 and 73a, which arerespectively journaled at their lower ends in step bearings 74 and 74a,afforded by the brackets 75 and 75kL Isecured to the side walls of thetank 40. IThe shafts 73vand 73a are respectively journaled atA theirvupper ends in transverse bars 76El andv76b secured to supportinguprights 76, 76, and are respectively provided with bevel gearsv 80 and8O*1 cooperating respectively with bevel gears 77 and 77a, respectivelyaffixed to the ends of a pair of shafts 78 and 78a. is journaled at oneend in a bracket 79, and at its other end in the fork 81a of atrifurcated bracket' 81, the fork 81b of which affords a fbearingcforthe stud shaft 78. With the construction described, it will be seen thatsimultaneous rotation of the vertical shafts 73 and "(3il will. cause avertical movement of the box 40, together with the squeeze and guiderolls associated therewith, into and out of the tanks. To this end, theshafts 78 and 7 8a are respectively provided at one .end with gears 82,82a, both intermeshing with an idler The shaft 78a thetrifurcatedbracket 81. To the other end of the idler shaft 84 is fixed a gear 85meshing with a gear 86 fixed to a short shaft- 87 journaled in a bearingfurnished by the upright 76 and to which is aiiixed a hand- 'wheel 88,so that in rotating the hand-wheel the box 40 and its associatedstructure is bodily moved vertically.

To permit the vertical movement of the Asupply pipes withoutinterrupting the flow of the molten asphalt, the upper end of the pipe66 is threaded in one end of a swivel joint elbow 104, in the other endof which is swiveled one end of a supply line 1.05. rIhe other end ofthe supply line 105 is similarly swiveled to a pipe line (not shown),which communicates with a pump and a source of molten asphalt (notshown). Any other suitable arrangement or construction for permittingthe raising and lowering of the pipe 65, together with the squeezerolls, may be employed, if desired.

To facilitate the threading of the felts between both pairs of rolls andthrough the slot at the top of the box, the box is preferably providedat one of its sides with a door 150, hinged thereon so that easy andready access may be had into the interior of the box when it is raisedfrom the tank to permit the insertion and the threading of the felts.After such threading, the box is lowered bodily into the molten asphaltcontained in the tank and the saturating operation may be commenced.

YThe asphalt is maintained in fluid or molten condition in the tank byany suitable heating means, as by steam-heating coils 100, arranged inzigzag or sinuous courses at the bottom of the tank, to which steam issupplied through an inlet 100, and from which condensate is withdrawnthrough an outlet 100". If desired, in addition to the asphalt suppliedthereto through the pipe 65, the tank may be provided with hot moltenasphalt from an auxiliary supply line 102 entering there into andsupplied with `molten asphalt from a. suitable source (not shown). Anyasphalt f tending to rise above a certainfixed level in the tankoverflows through an outlet or overiiow pipe 103 and is conducted backto the asphalt supply to be re-employed in the saturating tank. 1 Afterthe saturation of the felts in the tank has been effected, they may beinitially cooled, as previously described.. After such cooling, theexcess or superficial asphalt on the surfaces of the felts may beremoved by passing them b suitably positioned and angularly adj usta leScrapers or doctors, which engage the asphalt on their outer surfaces,to cause the removal thereof, but without squeezin or constricting thesheets to forcel asphalt rom the interior thereof. For this purpose, theconjoined sheets are passed by -two Scrapers, 120 and 121, each of whichis mounted on a shaft 120, 121s, journaled in bearings afforded by aplurality of brackets or hangers 122 fixedly hung on the transverse 123the shaft 120a is provided with a handle| 125, having a lug 126 on itsinner side, which is adapted to engage in the apertures of a radiallyapertured disc 129 provided with such apertures in arcuate relationship.By pulling the handle 125 and the shaft 120a to which it is fixed,against the' action of the spring, the handle is removed from engagementwith an aperture in the disc, and the doctor may be turned to thedesired angle for engagement with the surfaces of the felt. The handlemay then be released and made to engage the particular aperturecorresponding with the angular position of the scraper. After thescraping action, the sheet is then cooled, as previously indicated, soas to considerably congeal the asphalt contained therein prior topassage through the propelling rolls.

In place of an arrangement where two pairs of squeeze rolls aresubmerged in the molten asphalt, I may employ an arrangement shown inFigures 7 to 10, inclusive, where only a single pair of squeeze rolls130, 130"L is employed. In suchl construction, the squeeze rolls are.horizontally adjustable in reference to one another, and are verticallymovable into and out of the tankby a mechanism substantiall similar tothat described in connection wit the machine already out- 135 abuttingthe upper surface of the fork, and atits lower end by the shoulderafforded by the hub 133. In raising the rolls from the tank, the bracketfixed thereto, together with the bevel gear 133 journaled therein, slideor move vertically in the slot, thus permitting the vertical movement ofthe box. Thus, instead of supporting the unsubmerged portion of theroll-adjusting mechanism on the box, it may construction issubstantially similar to that described .in connection with the othermachine.

be mounted on the framework 76, 7 6' secured tothe side of the tank. Theother' meagre While l have conned myselfl to the description y of aprocedure and ap aratus wherein the felts are threaded and 'ed up-,.fwardly between the submerged squeeze rolls it is to be understoodthat the direction o feed of the felts may be reversed: that is thefelts may be fed downwardl int-o the hath and between the submergesqueeze rolls, then separated and drawn from the bath ley m propellingrolls located at the side of the tan l-lavn thus described thisinvention, it is evident t at various changes might be resorted to inprocedure, as well as in form, con! 35 struction and arrangement ofparts, without departing from the spirit or scope of my invention. Hencel do not wish to limit myself strictl to the structure or procedureherein set orth, but Y What ll claim is:

l. ln the manufacture of roong, a process which comprises conducting aplurality `of sheets of fibrous material into a bath of molten asphalt,cnj oining and then s ueezing said sheets together in said bath tofierce asphalt entrapped between the'facing surfaces outwardlythereinto, and on the outer surfaces of said sheets inwardly thereinto,to effect a thorough penetration orvpermeation thereof.

2. ln the manufacture of roofing, a process which comprises conducting aplurality of sheets of fibrous material into a bath of molten asphalt,conjoining and then s ueezing said sheets together in sald bath to orceasphalt on its outer surfaces and asphalt entrapped between the cononting surfaces thereinto, separating said sheets, owing against theconfronting surfaces thereof a stream of molten asphalt, and againconjoincontained therein, and thereby causing the" asphalt on thesurfaces of the sheets to con-.

tract and be drawn or absorbed into the pores and interstices thereof.

4. In the -manufacture of roofing, a process which comprises conductinga plurality ofVv sheets of fibrous material into a bath of moltenasphalt,4 conjoining and squeezing said sheets together in said asphalt,cooling said sheets but without causing the asphalt contained therein tocongeal, and removing excess asphalt from only the outer surfaces ofsaid sheets.

` 5. In the manufacture of roofing, a process which comprises conductinga plurality of sheets of fibrous material into a bath of molten asphalt,conjoining and ysqueezing said said sheets together in said asphalt,cooling ing and s ueezin said sheets together whilel said sheets in amanner to congeal the asphalt contained therein, but without ed'ecting acongelation sufficient to prevent theseparation of the sheets,separatingsaid sheets and propelling or drawing each sheet from said bath, said.propelling action taking y place subsequent to the cooling andsubstantially without removing asphalt from said sheets.

6. ln the manufacture of rooing, a'process which comprises conducting aplurality of sheets ,of brous material into av bath of Huid moltenasphalt, conjoining said sheets and -subjecting them to a squeezing orlcompress,

ing action while suhmergedin said hath to force ordrive asphaltthereinto from its surfaces, cooling said sheet, and thenseparating andseparately propelling each sheet substantially without squeezing asphalttherefrom.

7. ln the manufacture of roon'g, a process which comprises conductingsheets of hbrous materialinto a bath of molten asphalt, subjecting saidsheets to squeezing or compressing action while submerged in said hath,to force asphalt on their surfaces therein, cooling said sheets afterthey leave 'the bath to cause asphalt on the surfaces of said sheets tobe forced thereinto, sera, ing excess asphalt from only the outer suraces of said sheets, cooling said sheets in a manner to congeal theasphalt contained therein but without pre-- venting the separation ofthe united sheets, and then separating said sheets and separatelypropelling or drawing each sheet from said bath substantiallywithoutremoving asphalt therefrom. v

8'. ln the manufacture of rooting, a process which comprises conductinga p ura ity off sheets of fibrous material into a bath of moltenasphalt, pressing said sheets together at successive spaced points intheir travel through said bath, forming a pocket between said sheets intheir passage from one said point to the next, and supplg huid, moltenasphalt to said pocket. l

`9. ln the manufacture of roong, a process which comprises applyingmolten asphalt-to a lurality' of separate traveling sheets, pressthesheets together at successive spaced Mig points in their travel,separating the sheets? etween said pointsof pressure application, andapplying molten asphalt to the confronting faces ot separated sheetportions.

l0. lin the manufacture of roofing, a lprocess which'comprises squeezingtwo traveling sheets together at successive spaced points 1n theirtravel, separating the stretches of the v sheets between said points toform a compartment extending width wise of the sheet, Vsubstantiallyclosing the ends of said compartment, and maintaining said. compart-VAment full of molten asphalt under ressure.

ln testimony whereof l have ae Lmy sig'- nature.

-lill

